Brandon, your plan might work if the Twins can survive a 7-man bullpen instead of the de rigueur 8-man.

Not needing an opener for any of those five starters might help, but that's not an invalid point.

In that case, they probably don't sign Descalso.

I'd like to find something here to disagree with but I simply can't.

If I were to try and nit-pick, I'd really like to see Romero in the rotation and get an extended look. Someone hurt performing poorly, or sliding to the pen affords his opportunity. The rotation depth at Rochester is nice, and for the future, we need Romero and someone else to seize a spot. As you point out, there could, potentially, be as many as 3 openings come 2020.

I thought Mejia was out of options. Am I incorrect? I could see him in the pen for a second LH.

I like the depth and versatility offered here. Still comes down to the youngsters being healthy and taking the next step.

Well done!

With Garver and Castro on the roster right now I think we could do without 4 years of Grandal, especially if either Jeffers or Rortvedt amount to anything. Other than that, the list looks alright, but if I were the FO, these are the main guys I’d be targeting.

IF- Jed Lowrie 3yr/$33M

DH- Nelson Cruz 2yr/$36M

UTL- Josh Harrison 1yr/$6M

RF- Adam Jones 2yr/$28M

RHP- Cody Allen 1yr/$10M

RHP- Joe Kelly 2yr/$18M

Tom, loved your ideas once again. But just want to toss a couple ideas out to you after some reflecting.

I'm a Garver fan and non Castro hater. What about McCutchen instead to shore up the OF/DH spot more in place of Grandall?

Doesn't lead to a Gray deal, but we have depth, and could look for another 5th SP elsewhere or trade a couple prospects for Gray.

Also, what about a deal for Sterlin Castro at 2B in place of Lowrie? He's younger, and coukd have value even a couple years from niw when Gordon and Lewis arrive.

Curious as to your thoughts.

According to Fangraphs Polanco was one of the worst defensive SS in MLB. Lets get a good defensive SS and move Polanco to 2b where his defense isn't such a negative.

According to Fangraphs Polanco was one of the worst defensive SS in MLB. Lets get a good defensive SS and move Polanco to 2b where his defense isn't such a negative.

I hear you Winston! And previously, I have been all about Iglasious as our SS, even though I'm a fan and believer in Polanco as a player. But having read various information as to his defensive play and rankings the last half of 2017...no I don't have a link...and realizing how missing the first half of 2018 had to have an affect, in addition to some of the posts I have read here on TD regarding launch angles and OF put outs...despite being a lover and believer in good defense...I'm leaning more and more to a quality 2B the next year or two and trusting in Polanco's ability and development until Lewis arrives.

I would keep Grossman, without Mauer Twins need OB type, but a non-tender could be reasonable.  

Would prefer Herrera (younger), and maybe Miller or Britton.  Bullpen needs major work and I do not see the Twins signing a starter (though Corbin or Ryu would be nice).

Second base or SS I would look to trading some of our depth pieces for a better and maybe cheaper player.  Lowrie is too likely to stay in Oakland, but other pieces might help (maybe Castro from the Marlins).

I would keep Grossman, without Mauer Twins need OB type, but a non-tender could be reasonable.

Would prefer Herrera (younger), and maybe Miller or Britton. Bullpen needs major work and I do not see the Twins signing a starter (though Corbin or Ryu would be nice).

Second base or SS I would look to trading some of our depth pieces for a better and maybe cheaper player. Lowrie is too likely to stay in Oakland, but other pieces might help (maybe Castro from the Marlins).

Herrera would be alright too, but his elbow issues and freak injury last year kinda scare me. Also, don’t be surprised if the A’s decide to move on from Lowrie, because it’s been stated that they’re very high on Franklin Barreto and Jorge Mateo; along with Chad Pinder. Oakland, a small market team, is more likely to pursue pitching this offseason than try to bring back Lowrie (even on a discount) when they have competent internal replacements; something we don’t have.

I think we are going to see the Twins trade for several pieces and not go the free agent route so much. They have a lot of prospects and can't protect them all, so they need to spend some of that capital. I like the Castro idea, especially since he might come cheaper in prospect capital due to his salary requirements for the Marlins. Sonny Gray might be a target for pitching. I think he just needs out of New York. And don't forget they will need somebody to pair with Austin at 1B in case he needs a platoon. There may be some relief pitchers to target via trade as well. Mychal Givens comes to mind. And some of the young starter candidates may end up in the bullpen as well.

Twins should move Polanco to 2B and look for internal option (Adrianza) or FA for an SS.  Jordy Mercer is available.   Not going to excite too many here, but an option nonetheless. 

Twins should move Polanco to 2B and look for internal option (Adrianza) or FA for an SS.  Jordy Mercer is available.   Not going to excite too many here, but an option nonetheless. 

Why? 2B has more options and Polanco, while not great, is fine at short.

I like it. I had advocated for Grandal but hell why not go for Realmuto. Shores up a key position and you need a solid catcher. And this guy hits. I see that as a plus. Gordon, Gonsalves and another lower pitcher. Maybe take the small, descent glimmer of Stewart and add him in there with another 20-30 prospect. Not sure if that adds up as far as a trade. Adds another strong player. Move Polanco over to second. We need a strong defensive shortstop. With this team we have to play good defense to even think of competing. Maybe sign an innings eater with a little upside. I’d like to try for Keuchel. May not be in the cards but he seems a fit. Probably another solid season or two in him. If not him roll with what we have or make a trade for similar or better. I think that leaves us pretty solid if the rest of our core performs to even 2017 levels.

Gordon, Gonsalves and another lower pitcher doesn't even get the phone answered.